Golden Week ended, and it was ti for school again. The mont Amane entered the classroom, he heard a ruckus, and was increasingly perturbed.
It was common to see a commotion in the classroom right after a holiday, when people would talk about the souvenirs they bought. The commotion on this day however was different from usual.
Instead of a discussion of what happened during the vacation, it appeared they were discussing rumors.
Amane put his bag on his seat, and pricked his earsIt appeared they were talking about Mahiru.
I heard Shiina-san went out on a date with a really handso guy.
Maybe its the guy rumored at the start of the year?
She said shes not dating, but
Amanes face twitched the mont he heard the word date.
Though he had sowhat expected that he would be spotted, he never thought this topic would be a hot one through the entire classroom.
The girls chatted rumors as they looked towards Mahiru.
It appeared Mahiru had not noticed it, or perhaps she did, but ignored them. She was preparing for the first eriod.
Her dignified, innocent look remained one of much attention, but the stares towards her on this day were filled with much curiosity.
H-hey, Shiina-san.
One of those girls seed to have resolved herself as she spoke to Mahiru.
Erm, Shiina-san, a few days ago, I saw you with a man at the shopping mall.
Yes, that did happen.
Are you dating you?
Shes a warrior to dare ask Mahiru head on, Amane thought as he watched. He was worried, and Mahiru rely blinked away.
It appeared Mahiru would respond in her usual angelic mode.
Yes. She probably would deny it with an angelic smile, if it was the usual her.
I guess it was a date, if we consider the definition of one.
One had to wonder what Mahiru was thinking when she actually admitted it.
The definition of a date was basically an appointnt between male and female. She was right in this sensebut there was no way the girls would actually follow that strict definition.
KYAAAAAAA, hysterical shrieks followed.
No matter the occasion, females always loved to gossip passionately about others. Usually, Amane could watch them from afar and just dismiss it as them being able to talk, but he could not do so this ti as he was the party implicated.
Shiina-san, youre dating that man? Its the first ti I heard of it!
We arent dating, but he is the person most important to !
As shrieks and squeals escalated, Amanes gut started to wince.
Mahiru was not lying at all. Amane knew she really treasured him. However, she was not stating the exact facts, but rather, the situation that could be understood in many ways.
The mont Mahiru did so, there would be rumors that she liked that man. Mahiru rely smiled as she saw these excited girls however.
She glanced aside at Amane, showing a non-angelic smile. Amane clutched his forehead, looking happy, embarrassed, while suffering from gut pain.
It appeared Itsuki too was eavesdropping, for he smirked as he slapped Amanes shoulder. Amane felt fatigue looming onto him in a single instance.
To be honest, I dont think that could be denied.
The duo dropped by at a fast food restaurant after school, and Itsuki ntioned this after seemingly thought of sothing.
Despite having lunch, Amane was hungry after their afternoon gym class. They were chatting while eating fries. itsuki showed a wry smile as he seemingly recalled the commotion in the morning.
And due to the chaotic day, Amane never got to eat with Mahiru. The latter was questioned by everyone all day, and Amane really could not sit with her.
Couldnt be denied?
Itsuki probably ant that they could not deny it like before, but Amane did not know why.
I say, Yuuta already can tell you two are close on first glance. You two definitely held hands when walking, right?
Ugh.
She couldnt deny it when people saw that. Thats why she could only say that.
Now that he ntioned it, Amane could not refute it at all.
It was true that objectively speaking, their little trip days ago might appear like an intimate date. From ti to ti, they did hold hands, lean on each other , and smiled at each other. Clearly they were a couple to those not in the know.
Thus, Mahirus response was to be expectedit seed.
And thats also for show.
For show?
Shes trying to shoo the boys, and show that she has no intention of fighting against the other girls, you know? Yuutas the sa. Once he got popular, theres so who got jealous. I guess that applies for that Angel too. If she hints that she has soone she likes and ignores everyone else, nobody will think shes interested in Yuuta, even if she does interact with soone like him.
I see.
Amane was not one of the popular ones, and did not give such a vibe. No matter how popular he might be, a small minority could not accept it. It was impossible to please everyone.
Amane had never seen anyone criticize Mahiru to her face, but surely there were so who were displeased with her.
Once anyone was popular, those of the sa gender would have bias against that person. It appeared to be a common trend between both male and female.
But I guess she has another goal. Just think of it.
Itsuki ntioned that Mahiru had another objective to this, but Amane could not imagine it.
Amane could not think there was anything other than for other boys to give up, and other girls to stop being jealous of her.
Say, Amane-kun.
What?
Itsuki looked stunned when he saw how clueless Amane was, but he rely shrugged and ended this conversation.
You dont stand out the way you are right now, but if you tidy yourself up, nobody will say anything if you walk next to her. Stop denying yourself.
Itsuki said these words to curb Amanes habit of self-doubt. The latter nodded begrudingly.
I know.
Sigh, well, your virtue is that you dont get carried away, but its also your fault. Why do you lack such confidence? Its completely rooted within you.
Why, you askits because of sothing that happened in the past.
Is it alright for you to tell what it is?
Its not like Im actively trying to hide it. Its just not sothing to talk about.
Amane did not have a tragic past, and he was not bullied by anyone.
It was simply that the person he once trusted denied him, and said he had no value.
He still could not forget this little incident, and was ashad of it. It continued to tornt his heart, and he was still in pain.
This pain did not work up like before, but he still would feel so emptiness.
Ever since he t Mahiru, he was no longer tornted by self-loathing, but his self-doubt still lingered.
Ill hear you out when you want to talk then.
Itsuki did not intend to pursue the matter.
He really had good instincts, or rather, he was adept at testing the limits the other party would not want to cross. He was always the moodmaker, for he was able to sense the little changes in mood.
Itsuki backed down easily, and giggled at Amane.
Well, you should have a little more self-confidence. Youre no longer your past self. How about you change your image completely?
Forget about it.
How petty. I was looking forward to the before and after. Well, thats fine. Try getting her to look at you more before you deny that possibility. Youre not aggressive enough.
Aggressive, huh?
Push her down aggressively.
Are you an idiot? How can I do that?
Amane believed that if he really did so, she would surely despise him.
It was completely different from headpatting and holding hands. Mahiru was sensitive to this matter because of her parents. Amane was not dating her, but trusted by her. Surely she would revile him if he did such a thing.
It was completely different from a re skinship.
Well, you should hug her at least.
Who do you think I am?
Youre not confident, youre dishonest, youre a coward. You can touch her instinctively, but you never take the initiative to.
Ughwait, how are you so sure about that skinship stuff?
Hm? Chii told .
Do you mind not revealing that?
How much did Mahiru tell Chitose? Is this the reason why Chitose seems to be leering at ?
Look, guys need so guts. You dont have to confess, but since you can hold hands, you can go a little further. Try closing the distance.
You make it sound easy.
Im seriously so anxious for you, I feel like kicking you in the back. She opened her heart to you, and so skinship is fine as long as its not sexual harassnt. I heard from Chii that youve been giving her heatpats, right? Whats wrong with a hug then?
Dont say the impossible.
I did actually hug her before. However, Amane could not say that.
He did so back then to support Mahiru, who was on the verge of breaking down, and it was not for the sake of love. Amane felt he could not embrace her lovingly. In the first place, would she agree?
How about you try asking her? I think shell agree to that easily.
Hows that possible?
Who knows? She actually allows contact from those shes very close with. Chii said that when she stayed over, they bathed together and slept in the sa futon.
Mahiru did stay over at Chitoses place during Golden Week. Amane never expected their relationship to be so good.
However, he had a feeling that it was because Chitose was pestering Mahiru.
Ill feel bad for you if Chii snatches her away.
Saydont compare a fellow female friend with soone like .
Hm, well, no point talking about that. How about you try hugging her? Put so effort into it, will ya?
Itsuki cackled away, sure is easy of you to point fault from the side, Amane muttered as he took the hardened bits of fries left in the box, and poured it into his mouth.
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